Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
January 22, 2001

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

Restoration of the Mexico City Policy

The President is committed to maintaining the $425 million funding level provided for in the FY 2001 appropriation because he knows that one of the best ways to prevent abortion is by providing quality voluntary family planning services.

The President's clear intention is that any restrictions do not limit organizations from treating injuries or illnesses caused by legal or illegal abortions, for example, post abortion care. This position is allowed under previous policies that have had wide congressional support.

This policy recognizes our country's long history of providing international health care services, including voluntary family planning to couples around the world who want to make free and responsible decisions about the number and spacing of their children.

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